RALEIGH, N.C., March 20, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- State Animal Response Teams (SART) has been awarded a $540,000 multi-year grant from PetSmart Charities to fund the development of 25 new SART-certified states between 2006 and 2010. An initial grant of $140,000 made in January 2006, will increase SART's presence to at least 18 states by year end.
SART is a collaboration of interagency state organizations and private animal interests dedicated to the common goal of animal welfare during disasters. SART's trained and certified volunteers have coordinated animal emergency response and recovery efforts across the country, utilizing federal, state and local resources. In addition to response, SART also provides guidelines and assistance for disaster prevention, preparation and business continuity.
"We are very excited to make this major commitment to the health and safety of animals in future disasters," said PetSmart Charities Executive Director Susana Della Maddalena. "PetSmart Charities is helping to ensure that a system is in place to provide coordinated rescue efforts for pets in future disasters. By funding this initiative, we will be able to greatly accelerate the rate at which SARTs become certified and able to assist in emergency relief efforts."
PetSmart Charities' grant for 2006 includes fully-funded development grants for both Louisiana and Mississippi as well as matching-fund grants for three additional states yet to be determined. "SART looks forward to a strong and successful partnership with PetSmart Charities as we expand animal welfare, rescue, recovery and resumption of pre-disaster activity efforts across the country," said SART Executive Director Dr. Leonard Bull.
States wishing to become SART-certified may apply for one of the available matching fund awards via the Request for Proposal process through April 30, 2006. An RFP is available for download by visiting www.sartusa.org.
Current SART states include: NC, IL, NY, CT, CO, PA, ME, FL, GA, NJ, KS
ABOUT SART
Founded in 1999, State Animal Response Teams (SART) is a collaboration of interagency state organizations and private animal interests dedicated to the common goal of animal welfare during disasters. Preparation, planning, response, recovery and business continuity during animal emergencies are hallmarks of SART's efforts. The SART model utilizes the principles of the Incident Command System (ICS) to train participants to facilitate a safe, environmentally sound and efficient response to animal emergencies on the local, county, state and federal level. For more information, visit www.sartusa.org or call (888) 989-SART.
ABOUT PETSMART CHARITIES
Since its inception in 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc. (PCI) has helped save the lives of more than 2.5 million homeless pets and has granted more than $39 million to animal welfare programs in the U.S. and Canada. PCI works to improve the quality of life for companion animals by creating and supporting programs that save the lives of homeless pets, facilitating adoptions through in-store programs, raising awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promoting healthy relationships between people and pets. To learn more about how PCI is working to help find a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit www.petsmartcharities.org or call (800) 423-PETS.
The PetSmart Charities logo is availablehttp://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2307